Phrase guide

pick up on

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To notice, observe, learn, or understand, especially something otherwise overlooked.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To continue or build upon (for example, a task, analysis, or narrative), beginning from a point at which someone has previously stopped.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To adopt a practice in which others already engage.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

10 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Polish: zauważać — to notice, observe, learn, or understand, especially something otherwise overlooked
  • Polish: zauważyć — to notice, observe, learn, or understand, especially something otherwise overlooked
  • Polish: wychwytywać — to notice, observe, learn, or understand, especially something otherwise overlooked
  • Polish: wychwycić — to notice, observe, learn, or understand, especially something otherwise overlooked
  • Spanish: percatarse de — to notice, observe, learn, or understand, especially something otherwise overlooked
  • Spanish: pillar — to notice, observe, learn, or understand, especially something otherwise overlooked
  • Spanish: captar — to notice, observe, learn, or understand, especially something otherwise overlooked
  • Spanish: darse cuenta de — to notice, observe, learn, or understand, especially something otherwise overlooked
  • Spanish: detectar — to notice, observe, learn, or understand, especially something otherwise overlooked
  • Spanish: quedarse con la copla — to notice, observe, learn, or understand, especially something otherwise overlooked